Woman found after falling overboard in SA Cape Jaffa from P&O Pacific Explorer Kangaroo Island trip

The body of a young girl who fell overboard from a massive cruise ship on South Australia’s coast has been found. 

Australian Maritime Safety Authority confirmed the body of the young woman was found in the waters off Cape Jaffa at about 7am on Wednesday after she fell overboard from the P&O Pacific Explorer cruise ship.

Police said crew members learned the passenger was missing at about 11.30pm and alerted authorities shortly after midnight.

A search is underway for a young woman who fell overboard from the Pacific Explorer cruise ship (above) on Wednesday

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Police are coordinating an aerial search (track left) to find the woman while the ship (right) stays in place out from Cape Jaffa

‘AMSA deployed a Melbourne based Challenger and two rescue helicopters to conduct the search alongside Pacific Explorer throughout the night,’ a spokesperson said.

‘The body of a woman was found by rescue helicopter this morning at around 7am and was taken to Mt Gambier hospital for identification.

‘AMSA expresses condolences to the family of the deceased.’

Carnival Cruises, P&O’s operator, also confirmed the young woman’s death.

‘This tragic discovery comes after an overnight search and rescue operation,’ a spokesperson said.

‘We continue to provide care and assistance to the family member this guest was travelling with and extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones.

‘As you can appreciate this has also deeply impacted our remaining guests and crew. We thank all involved who supported this distressing and challenging search operation.

‘Relevant authorities have been advised and we will continue to work with them and provide any assistance required.’

The Pacific Explorer (above) left Melbourne on Tuesday for a four-day round trip to Kangaroo Island

The boat remained in place while the search was underway.

A statement released by South Australian Police earlier on Wednesday morning said: ‘An air search is currently underway about 70km off the coast with assistance from PolAir and the Challenger aircraft from Essendon.

‘The cruise ship is also assisting with the search in the 5 metre seas and local SES are on standby.’

The Pacific Explorer left Melbourne on Tuesday for a four-day return trip from Melbourne to Kangaroo Island. 

It is understood the young woman was travelling with a family member. 

More to come.